15 Telltale Signs You Have a Stellar Relationship With Your Dog

15 Telltale Signs You Have a Stellar Relationship With Your Dog

In light of the recent national dog day, here is a blog post that might help you decide what kind of relationship you have with your dog. How well do you think you know your dog? This should be interesting...

1. Talking - Certain dogs/breeds will "talk" to their owners as a sign of affection and happiness. It is, in a sense, a form of a bond. They are essentially communicating with you. Huskies are prone to this sort of mannerisms.

2. Jumping Up - According to Ryan Rauch of Canine Journal, this is often more common in puppies when greeting their owners when they come home. They will jump to eye level in the excitement of your arrival, and also lick your mouth. This is another hint of his love.

3. Ears Laid Back - This is a trait of relaxation. This dog is not worried about a thing. He feels completely comfortable around you. When a dog is on guard, their ears will be perked or forward.

4. They Smile - Can a dog smile? Yes! Well, it appears so. Their relaxed mouths can turn upward at the corners in such a way that appears as a smile. Of course, this could be easily confused with panting after a long walk or run. Don't get too flattered.

5. Loosey-Goosey - Dogs that appear relaxed are at ease. If they appear tense - they are on the defense. A dog that is sprawled out on the floor like a bear-skinned rug is probably a pretty dang happy fur baby versus one that is always jumpy.

6. Tail Swing - If the tail is swinging, it's all good in the hood. Beware of a tail between the legs or a stiff tail. If your dog's tail is knocking things over like a baseball bat, that is a good thing. You've got a happy dog. Some dogs are so dang happy, their whole body will move with their tail. Wowsa! That's called a waggle-butt doggo.

7. The Bark - What's that Lassie? Timmy is in trouble? What is your dog telling you with her bark? Is communication playful or aggressive and stern? It's usually pretty easy to tell if it's sweet or evil.

8. Sleeping Where You Sleep - The Spruce Pets site says that even if you don't allow your dog to slumber in your bed, but it still likes to sleep in your room, it is a true sign of love. This shows a sign of loyalty and desire to be with their pack.

9. Touching you - Yes, dogs that admire their owners will physically want to touch them at times. It could be as simple as laying on their lap (lapdog syndrome), licking their feet, or laying on their legs while their humans relax.

10. Extended Eye Contact - Just like humans, dogs that have a healthy relationship with their owner will engage in a good affectionate stare down with their doggie mama or daddy.

11. Stealing Socks and Shoes or Other Weird Humanly Items - We've all seen it. They take our smelly socks, shoes, retainers, glasses, even our dirty underwear. Eew! This is because they love us. They long to be close to us. They even love our yuckiest scents. They might be the only ones. 😂 Sadly, they may destroy these items by chewing them up, so they might need a re-direct with an appropriate chew toy.

12. They Bring You Their Fave Toy - This might be the highest honor of all. They have few possessions, and the very little they have - they are giving it to you.

13. Bodyguard Mode - Your dog is your security guard. He looks out for you. He may even know when you're sick or in pain and lie by your side. He may follow you or just come check up on you periodically. How many humans do you know to do this?

14. Rub My Belly - They roll over so you can rub their belly. If a dog doesn't like you, she will not do this. This says, "I am comfortable with you." They are allowing themselves to be completely vulnerable in this position.

Finally... drum roll please,...

15. Face Licking & Grooming You - This is the ultimate sign of his respect and love for you. He is showing you that you are the pack leader and he is happy and content in his place in the pack. He/she loves you and you should be honored.